User:RobJN/beginners guide/Collecting data

{{Languages|Beginners Guide 1.1}}
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=Obtaining Data=
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===Do not use copyrighted data ===
Most data that you find on the web is copyrighted, including "free" maps like Google Maps. You may '''never use copyrighted resources'''. If in doubt, only use the resources available in the editors or data you have collected from a ground survey. If you think you found a non-copyrighted resource that isn't available in the editors, please discuss it first on the mailing list talk@openstreetmap.org .
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== Existing data ==
There are a variety of forms of data that are already available to OpenStreetMap:
# [[Beginners_Guide_1.1.2|Aerial imagery]] - OpenStreetMap users have been given permission to trace aerial imagery from a number of sources. The most widely used imagery comes from Bing, but other imagery is available in some parts of the world; you can choose a source from the ‘Background’ or ‘Imagery’ menu of your editor.
# [[Beginners_Guide_1.1.1|GPS]] - Aerial imagery is not available in all areas, and where it is available the imagery may be displaced away from the real position of the features that are photographed. In these cases a GPS device can be used to collecting the initial geometry of roads, paths and other ways. GPS tracks can be displayed in the map editor and traced to add map features. If the data does not exist in your area, you can collect your own.
# Local knowledge - Perhaps the best source of data is when you simply happen to know the area very well, and thus for example the names of the roads, which shops or buildings there are, the local traffic rules and restrictions, or whatever else you might want to add to OpenStreetMap. If the basic road layout is already present, you often don't need any technical devices and can start straight away.
# Third party data - You may have access to data held by an organisation or government body. If (and only if) its licence is compatible with OpenStreetMap then you may use it to help edit OpenStreetMap. If you are thinking of importing this data please refer to the [[Imports|Imports guidelines]].
== Collecting new data ==
Once you have become familiar with OpenStreetMap - perhaps by completing your first basic edit - you may want to look at collecting your own data to supplement the existing sources of data above. There are many different ways to collect data but the all require you to go to the place you are trying to map to see what is on the ground. We call this a '''ground survey'''.
There are many ways to collect data during a ground survey. It can be as basic as taking a pen and printed copy of the map area, right through to collecting your own aerial imagery. The various techniques are discussed on the [[Mapping techniques]] page.
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*'''Q''': What data can I collect/add to OpenStreetMap?
*'''A''': There is a lot of data that can be gathered and put into OSM: from common things such as street names right down to fine details which includes things like parks, postboxes, hedgerows, and cairns. Different people find different things more important, usually influenced by their main method of transport. If you feel it helps people find their way, then map it! A nice selection of some of the most commonly mapped features and the way to describe them in OSM can be found on the [[Map_Features|map features]] page. But remember you aren't limited to what is listed there, so be creative and map what is important to you!
:Commonly, mappers increase the detail as they go on, but start with the basics. So the main road network tends to be a good starting point, and lesser things such as footways, or postboxes are added later. Again this varies greatly for different people so there is no 'one way' that it should be done.
:When contributing changes, keep [[Accuracy|accuracy]] in mind!
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